Boxing champion dedicates victory to Filipino typhoon victims

November 26, 2013 - Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao dedicated his Nov. 24 win to all the victims of the recent Typhoon Haiyan, offering prayers for their continued recovery. Pacquiao won over his American opponent Brandon Rios in the 12th round by unanimous decision to take the World Boxing Organization international welterweight title. The win brought cheers in the Philippines at a time of sorrow and loss after being struck on Nov. 8 by Typhoon Haiyan, among the strongest storms ever recorded. The killer storm left devastation in its wake, killing thousands and affecting more than 9 million people. In some parts of the worst hit areas of Tacloban, screens were installed in local playgrounds so that people could watch the boxing match and take their mind off the losses they had endured. “This fight is for you,” Pacquiao said in the post-fight press conference, remembering the victims of the typhoon. “Glory to God in Jesus’ name,” he prayed. An elected member of the Philippine House of Representatives the boxer promised to “visit” the people of his district personally after the fight. His staff members have been assisting in recent relief efforts. (Source: CNA)